Full Breakdown
FA Upholds Lisandro Martinez Red Card for Hair Pulling Amid Calls for Consistency
4/24/2026, 8:19:16 PM
Red Card and Appeal Decision
Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United centre-back, was shown a straight red card for pulling the hair of Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a Premier League match earlier this month. The Football Association (FA) reviewed United’s appeal and upheld the three-match suspension, concluding that the referee’s decision did not constitute an “obvious error”.
Background
Hair pulling is not listed in the Laws of the Game but is classified as violent conduct because it cannot be justified as a legitimate challenge. The FA has previously upheld similar sanctions, including the dismissal of Michael Keane for a comparable hair-pulling incident while he was with Everton.
Key Figures
Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United centre-back), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United forward), Michael Carrick (interim Manchester United head coach), and the FA disciplinary commission were the principal actors in the disciplinary process.
Data & Statistics
- Suspension: three consecutive matches (Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool).
- Premier League KMI panel vote: 4 in favour, 1 against upholding the red card.
- Prior precedent: Michael Keane’s hair-pulling dismissal also resulted in a upheld sanction.
Official Statements & Responses
The FA panel concluded that the referee’s decision was within the Laws and did not constitute an obvious error. It also emphasized that hair pulling should be discouraged and not tolerated. The Premier League KMI panel affirmed the red card as appropriate under existing disciplinary guidelines.
Criticism & Opposition
Interim manager Michael Carrick described the dismissal as a non-aggressive act and called the appeal outcome shocking. He also highlighted perceived inconsistency, noting that Dango Outtara’s minor hair pull on Calvin Bassey was not punished.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The KMI panel acknowledged uncertainty about the force applied, stating it could not confirm the contact was minor. Carrick argued the act was non-aggressive, while Calvert-Lewin reported feeling his hair pulled, suggesting a perceptible force. No video evidence was cited to resolve the discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's not a pull, it's not a tug, it's not aggressive, he touches it and gets sent off,” — Michael Carrick, interim Manchester United head coach
- “Worst of all is he was sent to overturn it as a clear and obvious error. It's shocking. OPINION Abbie Meehan Kobbie Mainoo has sent clear message to Marcus Rashford as bumper Man Utd deal agreed” — Michael Carrick
- “The commission members were unanimous that the referee could not be said to have made an 'obvious error' in dismissing LM [Lisandro Martinez],” — FA disciplinary commission
What's Next
Martinez will miss United’s home fixtures against Chelsea (27 April), Brentford (3 May) and Liverpool (following week). Injury doubts also surround Leny Yoro and Matheus Cunha, limiting United’s defensive options ahead of a crucial run-in.
